In a significant diplomatic gesture, Pope Leo held a phone conversation with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, during which he appealed for a meaningful gesture from Russia to help advance peace in Ukraine. The call, which addressed various mutual concerns, focused especially on the ongoing conflict and the importance of dialogue in resolving it.
The Pope emphasized the critical role of open communication between all parties involved in the war, urging that dialogue must remain a cornerstone of peace efforts. He highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in affected areas and stressed the urgency of delivering aid to those most in need. He also acknowledged the ongoing efforts to facilitate prisoner exchanges, commending the mediation role played by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.
During the conversation, Pope Leo expressed appreciation for the well-wishes he received from Patriarch Kirill at the beginning of his pontificate. He reiterated that shared Christian values—such as the defense of life, promotion of peace, and pursuit of genuine religious freedom—can serve as moral beacons during times of global crisis.
The Vatican sees the dialogue as part of its broader peace mission, underscoring the Holy See’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy. As the war in Ukraine grinds on with no clear end in sight, Pope Leo’s latest outreach represents a continued effort by the Catholic Church to act as a bridge-builder in one of the most divisive global conflicts of the 21st century.
